For a 1080p30 H.264 YouTube live stream, start at 14 Mbps. If the live feed uses AV1 or H.265/HEVC at the same resolution and frame rate, YouTube recommends 10 Mbps. These are live-ingest recommendations—not file-upload targets—and YouTube does not specify a different bitrate just because the stream loops prerecorded video or runs 24/7.
Choose the bitrate for the live output
Set the encoder to match the resolution, frame rate, and codec it actually sends to YouTube. The following figures are YouTube’s published recommended live-ingest bitrates; they are not guarantees of picture quality for every source. If your encoder uses a different format, use its matching row rather than the source file’s upload bitrate. YouTube’s live encoder settings list these recommendations.
| Incoming resolution and frame rate | AV1 or H.265/HEVC | H.264 |
|---|---|---|
| 2160p (4K), 60 fps | 35 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| 2160p (4K), 30 fps | 30 Mbps | 42 Mbps |
| 1440p, 60 fps | 24 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
| 1440p, 30 fps | 15 Mbps | 21 Mbps |
| 1080p, 60 fps | 12 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
| 1080p, 30 fps | 10 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 720p, 60 fps | 6 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 720p, 30 fps | 6 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 480p, 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
| 360p, 30 fps | 3 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
YouTube transcodes the live feed into multiple viewing formats. The table concerns the feed you send to YouTube, not the bitrate viewers necessarily receive.
Set the other encoder options that affect reliability
Bitrate is only one part of a stable live feed. For RTMP/RTMPS, YouTube’s encoder guidance also specifies these settings:
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- Rate control: CBR (constant bitrate).
- Keyframes: every 2 seconds; do not exceed 4 seconds.
- Video: progressive scan and square pixels; use CABAC where available. For SDR, use Rec. 709.
- Audio: stereo AAC or MP3 at 128 Kbps. AAC is required for YouTube’s listed 5.1 audio support over RTMP/RTMPS.
- Protocol and codecs: YouTube lists RTMP/RTMPS and H.264, H.265, or AV1 video; supported frame rates go up to 60 fps.
See YouTube’s encoder settings and bitrate guidance for its current technical details.
Do not substitute file-upload bitrates
Uploading a prerecorded file and sending a live stream are different workflows, with separate recommendations. YouTube lists H.264 file-upload targets of 8 Mbps for 1080p at standard frame rates and 12 Mbps for 1080p at high frame rates. Those upload figures do not replace the live-ingest recommendation: for 1080p30 H.264 live output, the listed figure is 14 Mbps. The upload recommendations are on YouTube’s video upload encoding page.
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Test the whole 24/7 setup
A bitrate that works for a short test may not be reliable over a continuous broadcast. Use the target live output, then check the actual encoder and connection before leaving the stream running.
- Confirm the outgoing format. Identify the resolution, frame rate, and video codec being sent to YouTube. Match the live-ingest table to that combination.
- Check upload capacity. Run an upload speed test and confirm the outbound connection can send the selected stream bitrate. YouTube does not specify a universal extra bandwidth margin in the cited guidance, so do not treat a particular margin as an official requirement.
- Test representative content. Before going live, test with movement and audio similar to the program you intend to loop. A static scene alone may not expose problems that appear in more active footage.
- Review stream health and messages. Watch YouTube’s stream health indicators during the test and address any warnings before relying on a continuous broadcast. YouTube explicitly advises testing before going live and monitoring stream health and messages: encoder setup guidance.
- Choose output quality the connection sustains. YouTube advises choosing the highest supported resolution and bitrate you can stream. If the connection cannot sustain your preferred format, reduce the output resolution or frame rate and use the corresponding bitrate recommendation. See live encoder settings and live streaming tips.
Account for YouTube’s stream settings
YouTube automatically detects resolution and frame rate by default; manual selection is available through a custom stream key. Its live settings guidance says to choose the highest supported resolution and bitrate you can stream. Lower latency can mean more playback buffering, while DVR lets viewers pause and rewind a live stream. Review YouTube’s live stream settings when deciding how the broadcast should behave for viewers.
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Keep a prerecorded stream running without a home encoder
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StreamNeo keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud loops the video, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. It streams the video as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it does not re-encode, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.
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Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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